7 Reasons NOT to Move to Charleston, SC in 2025

Charleston, South Carolina. The charming cobblestone streets. Rainbow Row. The palm trees swaying in the breeze. The food that’ll make you want to slap somebody—in the best way. Folks come here on vacation, soak up the sunshine, snap a selfie at the Pineapple Fountain, and say, “I have to live here!”

But hold up—before you call the movers and start packing your shrimp and grits recipe, let’s get real.

Hi, I’m Shakeima Chatman, your Charleston relocation specialist with the Chatman Realty Team at Keller Williams Realty. I’m a BEEN YA—born and raised in the Lowcountry—and I love my city, but I’m not here to sell you a fantasy. Charleston is beautiful, yes, but it’s not for everybody.

So today, I’m giving you 7 real-deal reasons NOT to move to Charleston—because if you can’t handle these, this city might chew you up and spit you out like you put sugar in your grits.

1. The Heat Will Have You Re-Evaluating Your Life Choices

Let’s start with the obvious: Charleston is HOT. Not cute hot. Not “I’m glowing” hot. I’m talking suffocating, sticky, sweat-through-your-shirt-in-five-minutes hot. From May to September, it’s like living in a sauna with no off switch.

You’ll be showering three times a day and wondering why you even bothered doing your hair. And if you have curly or natural hair? Just say a prayer—it’s going to do what it wants.

Humidity at 8 PM? Still choking you. So if you can't hang with nonstop heat and a serious case of swamp armpits, this might not be your vibe.

2. The Bugs & The Beasts

Charleston’s “locals” include palmetto bugs (aka flying roaches the size of fun-sized candy bars), mosquitoes that laugh at your bug spray, and yes—alligators.

That’s right, real-life dinosaurs just chilling in your neighborhood pond or strolling across your golf course like they paid HOA dues.

We even had one show up at Tanger Outlet Mall like he was there for back-to-school shopping.

So if you’re not into unexpected wildlife encounters, Charleston might make you rethink your outdoor lifestyle.

3. Hurricane Season = Anxiety Season

If you’ve never heard of Hurricane Hugo, ask any Charleston native and brace yourself. In 1989, Hugo tore through Charleston as a Category 4 monster. I was 15 years old, and I still remember three weeks without power and a whole lot of fear.

Now? The second a storm forms in the Atlantic, we PANIC. Bread, milk, water—all gone in hours.

We might get a direct hit, or the storm might turn at the last second. Either way, hurricane season is stressful, and we do NOT take chances. If the idea of boarding up your windows every fall doesn’t sound fun, Charleston may not be the right move.

4. The Cost of Living Is No Joke

If you didn’t buy a house here before 2020, you’re gonna feel it.

What used to be considered “affordable” has skyrocketed:

• Summerville & North Charleston: ~$400K

• West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island: ~$500K

• Mount Pleasant: $700K–$800K+

• Downtown Charleston: $1M and up

And that’s just home prices. Insurance, groceries, utilities? All up. Rent? Easily $2,000/month for a one-bedroom downtown.

So if you thought Charleston was a cheap little Southern town, you’re in for a surprise.

5. Too Many People… and Everything Moves SLOW

Charleston has become too popular for its own good.

The roads? Crowded. The schools? Packed. The restaurants? Booked up for weeks.

And yet… nobody is in a rush. People will have a full-on reunion in the grocery checkout line while you’re just trying to grab your almond milk.

Even drivers take their sweet time. If you’re from a fast-paced city like New York or D.C., prepare to practice patience daily.

6. Traffic Is a Nightmare & Public Transportation? What’s That?

Charleston wasn’t designed for the population boom, and our roads are struggling.

Rush hour on I-26? It’s not a commute—it’s a test of your willpower.

And don’t count on public transportation to save you. The bus system is limited, and ride-share apps get pricey fast. If you don’t have a car, getting around will be tough.

If you’re commuting during peak hours (7–9:30 AM & 3:30–6:30 PM), just bring snacks and a podcast. You’ll need both.

7. It’s Called the Holy City for a Reason

Charleston has more churches per capita than almost any other city in the U.S. It’s deeply religious, and Sundays are still the most segregated day of the week.

Now, if you’re spiritual or faith-based, you might find that comforting. But if you're not religious or if you're looking for more diverse spiritual spaces, you might feel a little out of place.

Southern hospitality is real—but so are the divides that still exist here.

So… Is Charleston Right for You?

Let’s be honest: Charleston is hot, buggy, expensive, crowded, and slow. It’s not perfect, and it’s definitely not for everyone.

But if you can handle the heat (literally and metaphorically), you just might fall in love with this place—like I have and like the 40+ people a day who move here.

Thinking About Moving to Charleston?

If you’re considering relocating to the Charleston area, I’d love to help! I’m Shakeima Chatman with the Chatman Realty Team at Keller Williams Realty, and I’ve helped hundreds of families find the perfect home here in the Lowcountry.

👉 Download my FREE Charleston Relocation Guide for insider tips, neighborhood breakdowns, and everything you need to know before making the move.

And don’t forget to check out my next blog post (and video): “7 Reasons TO Move to Charleston”—because, yes, there are some amazing reasons to call this place home, too.

See y’all soon—and bring your bug spray.